AFRICA: 12 DECEMBRE 2017 : ( Decades After Discovery, 3,500-Year-Old Mummy Found in Egyptian Tomb )

( Photo : The mummy discovered in the Luxor tomb Kampp 150. (Image: AP)) Egyptian archaeologists working in Luxor have explored two tombs dating back to the 18th Dynasty, uncovering colorful figurines, funeral masks, a stunning mural—and a linen-wrapped mummy - NB : Un employé travaille avec des gants et un masque tandis que l’autre non !? BURUNDI :

Burundi / Genocide : 3ème fosse commune 180 cadavres à Makamba http://burundi-agnews.org/sports-and-games/burundi-genocide-3eme-fosse-commune-avec-180- cadavres-a-makamba/

GENOCIDE, REGICIDE, JUSTICE – La Commission Vérité et Réconciliation (CVR) vient de trouver une 3ème fosse commune avec plus de 180 cadavres Barundi, assassiné en 1997 sur la sous- colline Murara, à Makamba, par les militaires du dictateur HIMA [1] burundais Buyoya Pierre.

A Makamba, au Sud du Burundi, commune Mabanda, colline Mubondo, zone Kayogoro, ce jeudi 7 décembre 2017, Mme Nicayenzi Libérate, commissaire de la Commission Vérité et Réconciliation (CVR), accompagnée de M. Niyonkuru Gad, gouverneur de la province de Makamba, ont annoncé avoir trouvé une 3ème fosse commune, dans cette localité de Makamba, avec les restes de plus de 180 personnes tuées en 1997 sur la sous-colline Murara. Les crânes retrouvés dans la fosse ont permis d’être précis dans le comptage des victimes. Nombreux vêtements des victimes ont été réconnus … A cette période, en 1997, l’ancien dictateur HIMA (1) burundais Buyoya Pierre, aujourd’hui en mission au Mali, et exilé, suite à la tentative de COUP D’ETAT MILITAIRE RATE DU MERCREDI 13 MAI 2015, avait organisé dans tout le Burundi, les CAMPS DE CONCENTRATIONS de 1996 à 2001 [ http://burundi- agnews.org/ccburundi.htm ] qui avaient été dénoncés par Mzee MANDELA, prix Nobel de la Paix [ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/788855.stm ]. Plus d’une centaine de milliers de Barundi sont morts dans ces camps. Depuis le mois d’août 2017, dans cette même localité, 2 autres fosses communes ont été retrouvés [ http://burundi-agnews.org/genocide/burundi-genocide-la-cvr-a-trouve-1-fosse-commune-a- mabandamakamba/ ]

Le Burundi a subi une Dictature militaire HIMA féroce entre 1965-66 à 2005, qui a fait plus de 4,5 Millions de Victimes BARUNDI : le Fameux GENOCIDE REGICIDE contre les BARUNDI, commis par les REGIMES HIMA BURUNDAIS [ http://burundi-agnews.org/genocide.htm ; http://burundi-agnews.org/ccburundi.htm ; http://burundi-agnews.org/agnews_refugees.htm ]. La CVR au Burundi enquête sur cette époque du passé du pays, en commençant dès 1962 lors des prémices d’installation de ces REGIMES HIMA soutenus par la FRANCE ( et les USA ) jusqu’en 2008, date à laquelle le dernier groupe armé (le FNL-PALIPEHUTU ), suite à la GUERRE CIVILE OPPOSANT BARUNDI AU REGIME HIMA DU MAJOR BUYOYA [ http://burundi- agnews.org/guerre_civile_du_burundi_1993_2003.htm ], a signé les accords de cessez-le-feu. Les Barundi sont un des seuls peuples au monde à s’être débarrassés, seuls, d’une dictature militaire imposée par le Néocolonialiste, ancêtre du Colonialisme et de l’Esclavage, responsable de plus de 250 Millions de victimes africaines.

Notes : [1] Burundi: Hima, Muhima, Bahima, et le Hamitisme., http://burundi-agnews.org/afrique/burundi- hima-muhima-bahima-et-le-hamitisme/ et Burundi : L’allergie des HIMA à la Démocratie Africaine, http://burundi-agnews.org/afrique/burundi-lallergie-des-hima-a-la-democratie-africaine/

DAM, NY, AGNEWS, http://burundi-agnews.org/, le lundi 11 décembre 2017 RWANDA :

Rwanda – Belgique : la négation du génocide contre les Tutsis, bientôt un crime ? Publié : le 11 décembre 2017 à 14:13 | Par Emmanuel Hakuzwimana | Catégorie: A la une, Actualité http://www.jambonews.net/actualites/20171211-rwanda-belgique-la-negation-du-genocide-contre- les-tutsis-bientot-un-crime/

Le 24 juillet 2017, Gilles FORET, député fédéral MR[1], déposait une proposition de loi comportant pas plus de 7 articles et visant à sanctionner les personnes niant « le génocide commis par le régime hutu power rwandais en 1994 ». Quelques jours plus tard, plusieurs réactions faisaient leur apparition dans les médias. Bien que les avis étaient partagés en ce qui concerne l’opportunité d’adopter ce type de loi en démocratie, les avis sur le contenu de la proposition (terminologies utilisées, identification des victimes, identification des auteurs) étaient quant à eux unanimement très critiques.

Le 29 Septembre 2017, l’asbl JAMBO, s’invitait au débat en transmettant à l’ensemble des parlementaires fédéraux belges, néerlandophones et francophones, un dossier de 32 pages dans le but de « compléter le débat démocratique et d’éviter que le parlementaire belge ne vote une loi qui pourrait, en plus d’être liberticide, attiser des tensions communautaires, à l’opposé de ce qu’elle semble vouloir prôner » selon les termes de Natacha ABINGENEYE, Présidente de l’association.

Le dossier de l’asbl, disponible sur son site formule un ensemble d’observations et de recommandations liées, d’une part, à l’opportunité de la loi et, d’autre part, à son contenu.

Au sujet de l’opportunité de la loi, l’association de défense des droits de l’Homme renvoie le parlementaire à l’opinion de Anne STAQUET, Professeur de Philosophie à l’UMons, laquelle, dans une carte blanche diffusée par le quotidien « Le Soir » s’interrogeait sur la pertinence de promulguer ce type de loi, puisqu’il s’agit en fin de compte de faire la promotion d’« une forme de bien-pensance ou, pourrait-on dire, de « bien-parlance » ». Pour la philosophe, « promouvoir une telle loi met à mal un principe démocratique fondamental de nos sociétés : celui de la liberté d’expression ».

Concernant le contenu même de la proposition, à savoir les terminologies utilisées ainsi que « la vérité » à protéger, l’asbl JAMBO a exprimé de vives préoccupations portant essentiellement sur les termes « Hutu modérés » et « Hutu Power » qui sont « de nature à stigmatiser éternellement une partie des rwandais ». Sur ce point, JAMBO asbl renvoie le parlementaire à une analyse de Me Patrice Rudatinya MBONYUMUTWA, avocat au Barreau du Luxembourg, intitulée « Rwanda : de quels crimes les hutus et les Tutsis ont-ils été victimes » et publiée sur Jambonews en date du 3 octobre 2017.

Selon Me MBONYUMUTWA, l’utilisation de ces termes est regrettable car d’une part, désigner les victimes Hutu comme étant des « Hutu modérés » « induit implicitement mais nécessairement que les « Hutus », sans autre précision, n’auraient pas été modérés ou, pire, n’auraient pas été victimes », le comble étant atteint « lorsque certains définissent les « Hutus modérés » comme étant ceux qui ont refusé de participer aux massacres, induisant par-là que les Hutus qui n’ont pas été victimes des Interahamwe sont ceux qui ont accepté de participer au génocide des Tutsis. »

C’est ainsi que Me MBONYUMUTWA appelle à éviter « toutes ces désignations qui stigmatisent les auteurs de ce génocide dans leur ethnie comme ayant été les « Hutus », « le régime Hutu power », « les miliciens Hutus » ou les « génocidaires Hutus » mais à désigner les criminels au travers des « mouvements politiques et militaires auxquels ils ont adhéré pour commettre ces crimes » car c’est justement à partir de ce genre d’amalgames que l’idéologie génocidaire peut germer. L’ensemble du dossier de JAMBO asbl, contenant donc ses propres observations et recommandations, ainsi que les textes du Professeur Anne STAQUET et de Me Patrice Rudatinya MBONYUMUTWA, a été particulièrement bien accueilli par la classe politique belge. Plusieurs parlementaires ont remercié l’association pour « cette contribution citoyenne », certains affirmant « partager les mêmes préoccupations ».

A cet égard, dans un long mail du 26 octobre 2017, le Député fédéral Gilles FORET à l’origine de la proposition, a répondu à l’association en l’informant qu’un certain nombre de modifications avaient d’ailleurs déjà été introduites « suite à un certain nombre d’avis et d’analyses, dont celui de Madame le Professeur Anne STAQUET ».

Le député fédéral précise en effet que les termes « Hutu modérés » et « Hutu Power » ont été supprimés car il rejoint l’observation de l’asbl JAMBO, selon laquelle « les termes utilisés par la proposition de loi pour désigner les responsables du génocide des tutsis et pour désigner les victimes sont inadéquats et susceptibles d’exposer les Hutus dans leur ensemble au mépris de l’opinion publique».

Tout en rassurant l’association qu’une telle loi « ne vise aucunement à brider la liberté de recherche historique » , le député s’est dit convaincu « que la loi est opportune dans son principe » car « la réalité de tous les génocides est remise en cause par un certain nombre de personnes. Cette négation de la réalité est une atteinte à la mémoire des victimes, empêche la réconciliation dans un climat apaisé et attise les haines. »

C’est donc dans cet esprit que la proposition de loi avait été substantiellement modifiée dans une deuxième version déposée le 15 septembre 2017 afin de « réprimer la négation, la minimisation, la justification ou l’approbation du génocide commis contre les Tutsis au Rwanda en 1994 (…) ». Les termes « Hutu modérés » et « Hutu Power » ayant donc disparu, que ce soit dans le titre, les développements et les articles de la proposition de loi.

Dans un entretien accordé à Jambonews, Natacha ABINGENEYE, Présidente de l’asbl a estimé que « ces amendements sont très positifs et répondent aux principales préoccupations formulées par Jambo asbl dans ses observations ». Elle salue notamment les modifications du Député fédéral qui évitent désormais que « les Hutus ne soient plus stigmatisés en tant que groupe ethnique responsable du génocide »

Toutefois, Natacha ABINGENEYE estime que malgré les garanties avancées par le député fédéral, des préoccupations persistent quant à la finalité même de la loi. En effet, « une fois adoptée, la loi risque d’être un obstacle à la recherche de toute la vérité sur ce qu’il s’est passé au Rwanda, notamment en ce qui concerne le rôle et les responsabilités du F.P.R. ou l’implication de certains gouvernements étrangers qui sont des éléments majeurs de l’histoire du génocide des Tutsis non encore élucidés ».

Natacha ABINGENEYE, s’interroge donc sur le sens de rédiger une loi « punissant la négation, la minimisation, la justification ou l’approbation du génocide des Tutsis du Rwanda alors même que la narrative qui a conduit à celui-ci n’est pas totalement établie ». Elle conclue notre échange en annonçant que l’asbl prévoit, dès 2018, un certain nombre d’initiatives pour que le débat citoyen continue avant que la question ne soit définitivement débattue en commission.

Emmanuel Hakuzwimana Jambonews.net -Envie de proposer un article pour publication sur jambonews.net? Plus d’infos ici [1] http://www.gillesforet.eu RD CONGO :

Situation en Rdc : Kabila, Sassou et Lourenço saluent la publication du calendrier électoral https://www.digitalcongo.net/article/5a2e4e05e0b7750004e54e71

Kinshasa 11/12/2017 Politique - A l’invitation du président Denis Sassou-Nguesso, Président de la République du Congo, Président en exercice de la Conférence internationale sur la Région des Grands Lacs (CIRGL), les Chefs d'Etat de la République Démocratique du Congo, Joâo Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço et Joseph Kabila Kabange, ont participé, ce samedi 09 décembre 2017 à Brazzaville, à un mini-sommet de la CIRGL.

A en croire le communiqué publié à cet effet. cette rencontre s'inscrits régulières de la Troïka de la CIRGL avec les Etats membres de la Région sur des questions d'intérêt commun, en application des conclusions du dernier Sommet de la CIRGL, tenues à Brazzaville, le 19 septembre 2017. S'agissant de la République Démocratique du Congo, les chefs d'Etat se sont réjouis de la publication du calendrier électoral qui constitue une avancée majeure dans la mise en œuvre de l'accord du 31 décembre 2016.

Les trois chefs d'Etat ont condamné énergiquement l'ignoble attaque perpétrée contre le contingent de la MONUSCO à Béni, le 07 décembre 2017, au cours de la quelle des éléments des FARDC et de la MONUSCO ont perdu la vie et plusieurs autres gravement blessés. Ci-dessous le communiqué final :

Communique de presse relative au mini sommet de la conférence internationale sur la Région des grands Lacs (Brazzaville le 09 DECEMBRE 2017)

1. A l'invitation de Son Excellence Monsieur Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO, Président de la République du Congo, Président en exercice de la Conférence Internationale sur la Région des Grands Lacs CIRGL), les Chefs d'Etat de la République d'Angola et de la République Démocratique du Congo, Leurs Excellences Messieurs Joâo Manuel Gonçalves LOURENÇO et Joseph KABILA KABANGE, ont participé, ce samedi 09 décembre 2017 à Brazzaville, à un mini-sommet de la CIRGL.

2. Cette rencontre s'inscrit dans le cadre des consultations régulières de la Troïka de la CIRGL avec les Etats membres de la Région sur des questions d'intérêt commun, en application des conclusions du dernier Sommet de la CIRGL, tenu à Brazzaville, le 19 septembre 2017.

3. Les entretiens entre les trois Chefs d'Etat se sont déroulés dans une ambiance empreinte de fraternité et une parfaite compréhension mutuelle; Ils ont porté sur les questions internationales et sous-régionales.

4. Au plan international, les Chefs d'Etat ont salué la tenue à Abidjan du 5ème Sommet Union Africaine - Union Européenne qui a permis d'aborder la question préoccupante de la migration clandestine, à l'origine de nombreux drames en Libye et en Méditerranée, notamment. Ils ont réitéré la nécessité de trouver une solution durable à ce grave problème, en partenariat avec toutes les autres Parties prenantes.

5. Dans la sous-région, les Chefs d'Etat ont évoqué l'évolution dés situations en République centrafricaine, au Soudan du Sud, au Burundi, au Kenya, en République du Congo et en République Démocratique du Congo. 6. Les Chefs d'Etat se sont félicités des élections au Kenya et ont appelé les acteurs en vue d'apaiser les tensions électoral de l'aboutissement du processus électoral aux politiques de ce pays à privilégier le dialogue observées pendant et après le processus.

7. Ils ont déploré la persistance des violences en République Centrafricaine et réitéré leur appel à la Communauté Internationale; afin qu'elle apporte un soutien plus ferme au processus de stabilisation et de réconciliation nationale.

8. S'agissant de la République Démocratique du Congo, les chefs d'Etat se sont réjouis de la publication du calendrier électoral qui constitue une avancée majeure dans la mise en œuvre de l'accord du 31 décembre 2016.

9. Les chefs d'Etat ont réitéré l'appel du président de la GIRGL à tous les acteurs politiques et de la société civile de la RDC à préserver la paix et à se mobiliser en vue de la mise en œuvre de l'agenda électoral dans l'unité, la sérénité et le dialogue.

10. Les trois chefs d'Etat ont condamné énergiquement l'ignoble attaque perpétrée contre le contingent de la MONUSCO à Béni, 07 décembre 2017, au cours de laquelle des éléments des FARDC et de la MONUSCO ont perdu la vie et plusieurs autres gravement blessés.

Les trois chefs d'Etat ont présenté leurs vives condoléances aux Nations unies, à la SADC, aux Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo ainsi qu'aux familles des victimes. En conséquence, ils ont réitéré l'appel lancé à la communauté Internationale au dernier Sommet de la GIRGL à Brazzaville, de qualifier la LRA ainsi que les ADF, de groupements terroristes et de les traiter comme tels.

11. S'agissant de la République du Congo, les chefs d'Etat se sont félicités de l'apaisement observé dans le département du pool et ont encouragé les autorités congolaises à consolider les acquis de la paix dans cette partie du pays.

12. Les Présidents Denis SASSOÙ N'GUESSO et Joseph KABILA KABANGE ont félicité le Président Joâo Manuel Gonçalves LOURENÇO pour la sagesse avec laquelle il conduit son pays depuis son élection.

13. Le Président Denis SASSOU N'GUESSO a remercié les président Joseph KABILA KABANGE et Joâo Manuel Gonçalves LOURENÇO pour avoir répondu à son invitation.

14. A l'invitation du Président Joseph KABILA KABANGE, les présidents Denis Sassou N'GUEsso et Joâo Manuel Gonçalves LOU RENÇO ont accepté d'effectuer une visite de travail en République Démocratique du Congo. La date précise de cette visite sera fixée ultérieurement par voie diplomatique.

15. Au terme de leur visite, Leurs Excellences Messieurs JOAO Manuel Gonçalves LOURENÇO et Joseph KABILA KABANGE ont exprimé leur gratitude à Son Excellence Monsieur Denis SASSOU N'GUESSO, au Gouvernement et au Peuple congolais pour l'accueil combien chaleureux qui leur a été réservé, ainsi qu'à leur délégation.

Fait à Brazzaville, le 09 décembre 2017 - JMNK/L’Avenir – (CL/Milor/Yes) Les corps des Casques bleus tués en RDC seront rapatriés ce mercredi en Tanzanie : La Monusco prépare une riposte farouche ! https://www.digitalcongo.net/article/5a2e664de0b7750004e54e74

Kinshasa 11/12/2017 Politique - Le bilan établi par l’ONU de cette attaque survenue jeudi à la tombée de la nuit à Semuliki, dans l’est de la RDC, est d’au moins 15 morts – tous Tanzaniens – et 53 blessés.

Les corps des 15 Casques bleus tanzaniens tués jeudi dans l'est de la République démocratique du Congo lors d'une attaque attribuée à des rebelles ougandais seront rapatriés "entre mardi et mercredi", a annoncé dimanche l'armée tanzanienne.

« Nous sommes en train d’y travailler avec les Nations unies. Les corps seront rapatriés entre le mardi 12 décembre et le mercredi 13 décembre », a indiqué à la presse le lieutenant-général James Mwakibolwa, numéro deux de l’armée tanzanienne.

Le bilan établi par l’ONU de cette attaque survenue jeudi à la tombée de la nuit à Semuliki, dans l’est de la RDC, est d’au moins 15 morts – tous Tanzaniens – et 53 blessés.

La pire attaque depuis 24 ans

Le gouvernement tanzanien continue à parler de 14 morts, le chiffre initialement communiqué par les Nations unies.

Cette attaque est la pire subie par des Casques bleus depuis 24 ans. Le secrétaire général des Nations unies, Antonio Guterres, s’est déclaré « indigné » face à ce « crime de guerre ».

Le général Mwakibolwa a indiqué que les soldats tanzaniens avaient été tués à l’issue de combats qui les avaient opposés « pendant 13 heures » à des éléments des ADF qui venaient d’attaquer leur position.

Une rébellion ougandaise dans le viseur

Les ADF (Allied Defense Forces, Forces démocratiques alliées) sont un groupe armé ougandais musulman actif dans le Nord-Kivu, un État de la RDC frontalier de l’Ouganda.

Repliés en forêt, les ADF combattent le pouvoir du président ougandais Yoweri Museveni, au pouvoir depuis 31 ans.

David Gressly promet une riposte rapide des casques bleus contre les ADF

Le représentant spécial adjoint du secrétaire général des Nations unies en RDC en charge des opérations, M. David Gressly, en visite à Beni, théâtre des attaques des ADF, promet la riposte rapide des casques bleus contre les ADF. Il a réitéré ce mercredi 11 octobre la détermination de la force de la MONUSCO à combattre cette rébellion et à sécuriser la population civile «J’ai déjà discuté aussi avec nos collègues de la force qui vont vraiment faire attention à une attaque éventuelle des ADF contre la population civile. On doit aussi renforcer notre capacité de répondre rapidement à ces menaces. Mais le message central est : aller rapidement riposter contre les ADF. On va continuer nos efforts de contenir leur mouvement et de réoccuper tout le terrain qu’ils ont occupé jusque maintenant », promet David Gressly. MMC/Jeune Afrique (CL/Yes) CONGO :

Sassou Nguesso voudrait-il racheter toute la dette du Congo ?

6 décembre 2017 à 11h36min | http://www.congopage.com/Sassou-Nguesso-voudrait-il-racheter- toute-la-dette-du-Congo

Dans un article publié le 26 novembre dernier, le journal en ligne Congo-liberty signale une alerte qui est parvenue sur sa table de rédaction et qui fait état du rachat de toute la dette congolaise. « Sur invitation d’une société chinoise, dont le nom n’a pas été communiqué, une délégation congolaise devait se rendre en Chine, ce samedi 25 novembre, en vue de négocier avec son partenaire, l’achat de toute la dette congolaise. Officieusement, cette délégation procédera par le rapatriement des capitaux congolais auprès des banques chinoises via cette société écran. » lit-on dans cette dépêche que le journal a publiée tout au début de cet article écrit par Rigobert Ossebi.

Pour voir clair, nous sommes allés dans les couloirs du pouvoir de Brazzaville où des sources anonymes confirment l’info. Même si nombre d’entre elles parlent d’hypothèses, toutes révèlent, par ailleurs, les raisons qui auraient poussé Sassou Nguesso à prendre cette décision, c’est-à-dire jouer au pompier pyromane. Le pouvoir de Brazzaville fragilisé après les négociations avec le Fmi Le pouvoir de Brazzaville s’est beaucoup fragilisé, et le clan divisé après les négociations que le gouvernement a entreprises avec le Fmi. En effet, la mission du Fmi a, entre autres indiscrétions, révélé que trois institutions du pays à savoir le ministère de l’Economie et des Finances, la Délégation des Grands Travaux et la Société des pétroles du Congo (Snpc) jouissent, chacune, d’une autonomie de gestion qui leur permet d’engager le pays et de contracter des dettes auprès des institutions nationales et internationales.

Pour simplifier notre langage, nous disons tout simplement que les ministres Gilbert Ondongo et Jean Jacques Bouya ont, chacun, la signature et le droit de contracter des dettes auprès des institutions financières nationales et internationales, au nom du Congo.

Christel Denis Sassou Nguesso alias « Mwana Ndeya » ou encore « Deux bâbords » puisqu’il a deux épouses, même si, soit dit en passant, le mariage avec sa seconde femme qui devait avoir lieu de l’autre coté du Fleuve Congo, le mois passé, et dont le budget serait estimé à 2.500.000 euros (presque 1.637.000.000 cfa) pour 1000 invités, avait été annulé. Le fiston a lui aussi le droit de contracter des dettes à l’intérieur et à l’extérieur du pays, au nom du Congo.

Partant de cette forme de gouvernance qui est une grande première dans le monde entier, et qui a donné du fil à retordre au Fmi pour constituer les vrais chiffres de la dette publique du Congo et le pourcentage de son Pib, on ne se trompe pas en disant que le Congo est un monstre à trois têtes.

Pourtant, la bête noire serait déjà trouvée. Il s’agit du ministre Gilbert Ondongo, ancien patron des Finances du Congo dont le domicile à Owando serait perquisitionné par la garde républicaine à la recherche de l’argent pour payer les prochains salaires.

Cependant, au lieu de collaborer et de parler d’une seule voix au cours des négociations que le gouvernement avait avec le Fmi, la monstrueuse structure a non seulement joué une partition qui était très mauvaise et pleine de fausses notes et de cacophonies, en voulant cacher les vrais chiffres ; la bête a aussi joué au petit accusé devant les experts du Fmi comme devant un tribunal de grande instance. Comme dans le principe de « chacun pour soi, Allah reconnaîtra les siens », chaque membre du trio infernal a cherché à ne défendre que les chiffres qu’il a fournis. Rusé comme renard ou comme larrons en foire, on se doute que chacun en avait aussi cachés d’autres.

Selon une opinion proche du pouvoir, la rancœur enregistrée entre les gestionnaires de ces trois institutions a gagné les autres membres du clan. Elle continue à fragiliser le pouvoir et à diviser le clan en plusieurs sous-groupes. L’unité autour de Sassou Nguesso aurait donc volé en éclats. C’est ainsi que, par exemple, le ministre des sports, Hugues Ngouelondele, aurait accusé le ministre des Grands Travaux, Jean Jacques Bouya, devant le Sénat, sur la mauvaise gestion du complexe sportif de Kintele. Dans un superbe conflit d’intérêts, c’est la société de l’insatiable cousin Jean-Jacques Bouya qui avait en effet gagné ce marché.

Le temps semble être suspendu chez les Sassou Nguesso En attendant la décision du Fmi, le temps semble être suspendu chez les Sassou Nguesso où beaucoup d’incertitudes planent. Mais ce qui les panique plus, c’est le dialogue national sous l’égide de la communauté internationale et la mise sous tutelle du gouvernement de la Snpc que réclament tous les Congolais et que le Fmi pourrait prendre en compte et imposer au gouvernement.

C’est donc pour contourner tous ces préalables et sauver leur pouvoir que les Sassou Nguesso ( nous disons bien les Sassou Nguesso), donc le père et les fils, (pas tous les membres du clan), auraient décidé de vite dépêcher des missions dans le Pool pour sortir les Ninjas de la forêt afin de pacifier ce département, et en Chine, pour racheter toute la dette du Congo à travers des institutions financières et des banques chinoises. On voit clair dans leur jeu car en réalité, c’est un rapatriement de fonds que les Sassou Nguesso voudraient faire.

Le rachat de toute la dette publique du Congo et le statut de « Fonds vautour » que les Sassou Nguesso voudraient se donner n’est que l’arbre qui cache la forêt, un subterfuge à travers lequel ils pourront avoir beaucoup de profits, puisque c’est à eux que toute cette dette sera remboursée avec des intérêts colossaux.

Il va sans dire que l’arbre cache le projet du clan de s’éterniser au pouvoir ou de faire du Congo un royaume où les fils et les petits-fils vont se succéder au trône pour garantir cet investissement.

Sassou Nguesso, le maestro du clan et du pays à partir de 2018 En puisant dans leurs « propres comptes » pour racheter toutes les créances du Congo, les Sassou Nguesso ont pris un grand risque. En effet, au cas où ils perdraient le pouvoir, ils perdront aussi tout les fonds rapatriés et une bonne partie de leur fortune. Les Sassou tiennent non seulement à donner à leur parrain Sassou la possibilité d’ être crédible devant les créanciers du Congo, afin de contracter d’autres dettes et renflouer les caisses de l’Etat mais aussi à faire du patriarche le maestro du clan et du Congo. Ca s’appelle faire d’une pierre deux coups. C’est-à-dire un coup foireux, digne de la foire aux escrocs.

Pour des raisons de stratégie politique qu’on imagine aisément, le clan veut mettre le père-fondateur au dessus de la mêlée constituée d’une kyrielle de milliardaires tous redevables au parrain, le Don Corleone d’Oyo.

D’ailleurs, le combat aurait déjà commencé. Et, la première victime semble être le ministre Jean Jacques Bouya qui, parfois, sort des rangs. D’autres têtes vont sans doute tomber. Par ailleurs, pour museler l’opposition, ils entretiennent la psychose de la guerre, développent des intimidations comme l’arrestation d’un avocat, comme l’agression des journalistes dans la salle Louis Badila au siège de La Semaine Africaine à l’occasion d’une conférence de presse. Comme encore l’achat de véhicules de répressions d’émeutes urbaines. A partir de janvier 2018, ils vont passer la vitesse supérieure en accroissant la violence dans tout le pays pour estomper des velléités de révolte et ainsi préparer la succession de Sassou par lui-même.

Le clan et le Pct devenus des champs de maïs En effet, à cause des milliards amassés, certains membres de ces deux institutions sont devenus très audacieux et ont créé des petits groupes d’agitation qui se font la guerre au sein du clan et au sein du parti (le Parti congolais du travail). Ces agitateurs bloquent parfois les initiatives de Denis Sassou Nguesso. Chacun voulant faire sa démonstration de force, le clan et le Pct sont devenus des champs de maïs où tout le monde est barbu.

Selon une rumeur pas totalement fausse, étant donné le conflit larvé entre Jean-Dominique Okemba et le général Nianga-Mbouala, même au sein de l’armée, il y aurait des officiers ou des subalternes qui ne veulent plus se soumettre aux ordres de la hiérarchie militaire. C’est ce qui justifierait le climat d’insécurité qui existe encore dans le pays. Car, on ne sait pas qui fait quoi et qui est sous les ordres de qui ? Le flou artistique est total. Par exemple, certains dignitaires du pouvoir ne savent pas en réalité quelle est l’institution qui a mobilisé les négociateurs dans la crise du Pool ? Quel est leur cahier de charges pour que le budget alloué soit de plus de 700 millions de Francs Cfa, par axe ?

Selon nos sources, les premiers Ninjas, dans l’axe de Mbanza Ndounga que supervisent Joachim Mbanza et le ministre Claude Alphonse Silou, seront censés sortir ce mardi 5 décembre 2017. Qui croire ? Selon des rumeurs il s’agirait d’un montage et les miliciens repentis seraient des vrais-faux ninjas. Chat échaudé craignant l’eau froide, les vrais ninjas se seraient rétractés et hésiteraient de sortir puis remettre leurs armes après l’assassinat du Ninja Mikissi que le gouvernement présente comme étant leur deuxième chef après Ntoumi. En plus, il y a l’épouvantail des terroristes qui casse le moral des troupes chez les Nsiloulou (Une simple jalousie ?)

Mais, certains redoutent aussi que l’on revive la triste histoire du général Casimir Bouissa Matoko qui avait trouvé la mort après son long séjour auprès de Frédéric Binsamou alias Ntoumi alors qu’il était négociateur pour ramener la paix dans le pays, après la guerre déclenchée le 5 juin 1997 par Denis Sassou Nguesso.

En effet des négociateurs comme Joachim Mbanza seraient déjà accusés par Gustave Ntondo, proche collaborateur de Ntumi, de l’avoir jeté dans la gueule du loup. D’après Ntondo, Joachim Mbanza, alors directeur du journal La Semaine Africaine, n’est plus ou moins qu’une taupe. Mais Mbanza n’est pas le seul infiltré puisque Landry Kolelas n’est pas bien vu par les poulains de Ntumi. Il y a un troisième larron, Isidore Mvouba président de l’Assemblée, négociateur sur l’axe Mayama avec tout ce que cela comporte comme traîtrise pécétiste. Total, en rachetant toutes les créances du Congo avec « son argent », Sassou Nguesso veut remettre tout le monde dans les rangs et sous ses ordres. « Tosa obika » c’est-à-dire pour survivre il faut flatter. Tu sors des rangs, on t’expose devant les juridictions nationales ou internationales et on te dépouille de tous tes biens. Pour tout le monde ce n’est ni le clan, ni l’armée ou le parti qui aura sauvé le pouvoir. Mais lui, lui seul, Sassou Nguesso, avec son argent. Abouoo, piaa ! Serge Armand Zanzala, journaliste et écrivain ------

TANZANIA :

Bodies of Tanzanian UN peacekeepers to be repatriated this week

By PSCU and AFP | Published Mon, December 11th 2017 at 14:47, Updated December 11th 2017 at 23:36 GMT +3 SHARE THIS ARTICLE Share on Facebook Share on Twitter UN peacekeepers patrol the streets of Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. [Photo: Courtesy] The bodies of 15 UN peacekeepers from Tanzania killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo will be repatriated in the coming days, the Tanzanian army said on Sunday. The soldiers were all members of the Tanzania People's Defence Forces participating in a UN peacekeeping operation in the conflict-torn eastern region of the country. ALSO READ: Families receive bodies of street demo victims Their base in North Kivu province came under attack by suspected Ugandan rebels on Thursday last week. "We are working with the United Nations on this. The bodies will be repatriated between Tuesday December 12 and Wednesday December 13," Lieutenant General James Mwakibolwa, deputy head of the Tanzanian army, told reporters. The UN has put the death toll from the attack at 15, with 53 wounded. But Tanzania's government continues to speak of 14 deaths, the original figure released by the UN. Mwakibolwa said the soldiers were killed after 13 hours of clashes with fighters of the Allied Democratic Forces who attacked their positions. The ADF is a shadowy rebel group dominated by hardline Ugandan Muslims and opposed to Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power for 31 years. The attack is the worst loss of life to a UN peacekeeping force since 1993 when 24 Pakistani soldiers were killed in Somalia during clashes with a local warlord. DR Congo's huge eastern region has long been wracked by violence, but fighting between government soldiers and militia groups, as well as inter-ethnic clashes, has increased significantly this year. The UN chief Antonio Guterres led an outpouring of outrage over the deadly ambush, calling it a "heinous" act. ALSO READ: Trigger-happy police officers should be held accountable President Kenyatta condemns killing of Tanzanian peacekeepers Meanwhile, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has condemned the killing of the 15 Tanzanian soldiers. In a letter sent to Tanzanian President John Magufuli, President Kenyatta said the attack on the soldiers, who were serving the good cause of establishing sustainable peace in the DRC, was vile. He condoled with the families who lost relatives in the attack and wished quick recovery to those who were injured. The President said Kenya will continue partnering with Tanzania to boost the stability of the DRC as well as the wider Great Lakes region. He said the Government and people of Kenya will stand with the government and people of Tanzania in seeking a peaceful and prosperous future for the region. President Kenyatta said Kenya appreciates the crucial role played by peacekeepers since it has participated in many peacekeeping missions. Read more at: https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001262782/bodies-of-tanzanian-un- peacekeepers-to-be-repatriated-this-week

Tanzania at 56: Echoes of the best and worst of Nyerere under Magufuli 2017-12-11 10:36 https://www.news24.com/Africa/News/tanzania-at-56-echoes-of-the-best-and-worst-of-nyerere- under-magufuli-20171211 The Tanzanian mainland is marking the 56th anniversary of independence from British rule. The mainland unified with Zanzibar in 1964 to create the current nation-state under Mwalimu Julius Nyerere who is often invoked as “the father of the nation”.

The new nation-state’s economic, social and political path was paved in 1967, when Nyerere proclaimed the Arusha Declaration. This led to the nationalisation of key industries and the total reorganisation of rural life. Communal farming and forced resettlement were applied, justified on the basis of attempting to bring about self-reliance.

Referred to as ujamaa, the socialist-inspired policies dominated the politics, society, and economy of Tanzania until Nyerere’s retirement in 1985.

Ujamaa policies are much debated. Generally, they are seen as something of a social success but as economically ruinous. By emphasising Tanzanian citizenship, ujamaa created a sense of unity and effectively removed the kind of ethnic politics that dominates Kenya, for example. But it short- circuited the economy and saw food production collapse.

Nyerere’s handpicked successor Ali Hassan Mwinyi Tanzania practically reversed all the earlier policies. His government moved from one of the most influential and vehement defenders of African Socialism to one of the most neoliberal regimes on the continent. As Pitcher and Askew thoughtfully assert, this really put the “self” in “self-reliance”.

This openness to investment and trade was further enhanced with the introduction of multipartyism in 1995. Under both Presidents Mkapa and Kikwete, the country generally remained economically liberal. It also remained investment friendly with significant levels of foreign investment when compared to the socialist period.

But sweeping change has come under the current President John Pombe Magufuli, who has just entered the third year of a five-year term. Magufuli has taken a different approach to that of his recent predecessors and is harking back to policies advocated by Nyerere. Comparisons between the two are commonplace, both positive and negative. This is particularly so when it comes to natural resources.

Perhaps the most contentious area today is the mining sector and the role of the contemporary government in seeking better returns from mining companies. This move has the hallmarks of a policy of resource nationalism. This is a sign of a shift in policy as well as rhetoric. Opening a closed economy

Tanzania was close to bankrupt after the economic collapse of the 1970s and the conflict with Idi Amin’s Uganda in the late-1970s. The latter years of Nyerere’s presidency were marked by his continual attempts to resist IMF assistance which involved signing up to a structural adjustment package. This was mainly down to his concerns over dramatic cuts to social provision.

The first programme was finally implemented in 1986 under Mwinyi whose presidency was marked by Tanzania’s economy opening up and dramatic reductions in social expenditure.

Multi partyism also arrived in Tanzania. The first multiparty elections in 1995 were won by Benjamin Mkapa who remained in power for the next 10 years. Another 10 years followed under Jakaya Kikwete until 2015.

During this period foreign investment has come in many sectors, but especially in tourism and mining. A significant part of the financial inflows came from post-apartheid South Africa. “The Bulldozer” approach

“The Bulldozer” Magufuli is Tanzania’s fifth president, and the fourth since multiparty elections. As he enters his third year, there are strains of authoritarianism in Magufuli’s approach which bear the hallmarks of Nyerere. For example, he seems to have centralised power within the executive branch of government. At the same time, he seems to be placing himself more closely to the socialist era of Tanzanian politics than anything since Nyerere.

Both approaches seem politically acceptable to Tanzanians – as long as they generate results. Nevertheless, Magufuli’s approval ratings fell to 71% in June from a high of 96% last year.

It’s still unclear what effect his recent attempts to claw back revenues from multinational mining giants will have on his rating. New regime for mining

In the Arusha Declaration, Nyerere describes natural resources as owned by all citizens and held in trust for their descendants. When the new mining laws were passed in July, Magufuli said:

We [Tanzanians] must benefit from our God given minerals and that is why we must safeguard our natural resource wealth to ensure we do not end up with empty mining pits.

The new laws raise royalties on tax for gold, copper, silver and platinum exports from 4% to 6%. This is a nominal increase perhaps but an indication of a different direction of travel. Expectations are that such changes will soon be introduced for tanzanite and diamonds.

Following the new laws the government agreed a 50-50 profit sharing arrangement with Barrack Gold as well as a minimum government of stake 16% in all mining activities. Gold generates around a third of the country’s export revenues.

The new mining laws aren’t akin to the nationalisation of 50 years ago. But Magufuli has described the agreement with foreign investors as groundbreaking and a model to be adopted elsewhere across the continent.

The long term impact of mining reforms are yet to be felt. Claims from multinational corporations that the new laws threaten future investmentmay well prove to be overblown. As might the opinion pieces in The Economist suggesting Armageddon for the sector in Tanzania. But, certainly from some quarters, the view is that Magufuli has managed the process well.

On the other hand, his bulldozing style has seen his popularity decrease. It has also seen critics express their views over his presidency more forcefully.

A balance sheet of positives and negatives is perhaps the most striking similarity with the legacy of Nyerere as Tanzania marks yet another independence anniversary.

I would like to thank Alessio De Vito for her blog as part of our African Politics course at the University of East London. It certainly informed my ideas for this article. Read more on: julius nyerere | tanzania | east africa ------

UGANDA :

U.S. envoy and Uganda govt spokesman clash over age limit debate Abdur Rahman Alfa Shaban with DAILY MONITOR http://www.africanews.com/2017/12/11/us-envoy-and-uganda-govt-spokesman-clash-over-age- limit-debate/

Deborah Malac, the United States ambassador to Uganda has clashed with the government spokesman over the contentious presidential age limit law.

Malac in an interview with the local newspaper,Daily Monitor, stated that the government had to respect the rights of and accommodate the views of persons opposed to the law. She is quoted as saying: “to debate, differ and disagree in a non-violent manner” is a basic tenet of a vibrant democracy.

The government spokesman Frank Tumwebaze, however, said it was not for the ambassador to comment on internal political issues of a sovereign country. He pointed her to incidents back in the U.S. where police continue to kill black people.

Her claim that journalism in Uganda is under assault is not only unfortunate but also an act of extreme arrogance.

According to him, Ugandan politics is “none of their business …their aid and trade relations are not conditions for meddling into the internal politics of the country.”

Another area where the two crossed swords was on freedom of the media. Malac is on record to have said that the media was ‘under assault,’ whiles commenting on the recent arrest and prosecution of publishers and journalists over a publication.

She buttressed a position advanced by the U.S. Department of State that it was worried about the case of the Red Pepper Group in the light of media freedoms in Uganda.

The eight accused persons – three journalists and five publishers – have been charged mainly with treason and other offences over a story that said President Museveni planned to overthrow his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame, a claim the government has dismissed.

“Her claim that journalism in Uganda is under assault is not only unfortunate but also an act of extreme arrogance. The decision (the ruling) National Resistance Movement government took long ago to liberalise the media and fully guarantee space for independent press was deliberate and aimed at building our democratic culture.

“That is why we have more than 300 radio and almost 50 TV stations all licensed all over the country broadcasting freely.

“However, when certain actors in the media offend certain established laws and public interest and are charged in court, it doesn’t mean the whole journalism is under attack as she concludes.

“Charging people in court is not an abuse of their rights. Being in court means you have a chance to defend yourself and get justice,” the spokesman’s response to the ambassador read. Photo Credit: The Uganda Daily Monitor ------

KENYA :

Kenya marks 54th Jamhuri Day in Nairobi, other 46 counties

Tuesday December 12 2017 By NATION TEAM http://www.nation.co.ke/news/Kenya-marks-54th-Jamhuri-Day/1056-4224572-fywon0z/index.html

Kenya will today mark 54 years of self rule after gaining independence from Britain.

The national fete, led by President Uhuru Kenyatta, will be held at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, in the capital Nairobi while regional celebrations will be held in the other 46 county headquarters.

Kenyans started trickling in to Kasarani for celebrations on early Tuesday morning, with gates opening at 7am.

DIGNITARIES

Security at the stadium was tight, with those getting in being frisked by security officers.

According to Government Spokesman Eric Kiraithe several dignitaries will attend the national fete in Nairobi.

The military parade and the ceremonial trooping of the colour be conducted by the Airforce Command from Moi Airbase in Eastleigh, Nairobi.

Mohamed Abdi Wajir Governor Mohamed Abdi dances with Wagberi traditional dancers during Jamhuri Day celebrations at Wajir stadium. PHOTO | BRUHAN MAKONG | NATION MEDIA GROUP

The Air Force will also host the President’s Guard of Honour and lead other armed and disciplined forces in a March past as well as pull off the flypast.

Jamhuri Samburu dancers entertain guests during Jamhuri celebrations at Isiolo stadium. PHOTO | VIVIAN JEBET | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Those in attendance will be treated to a variety of entertainment— including live performances by local artistes, cultural songs and dances.

Jamhuri Nyandarua Governor Francis Kimemia at Mirangine grounds for Jamhuri celebrations. PHOTO | WAIKWA MAINA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

The culmination of the celebrations will be President Kenyatta’s address to the nation.

Jamhuri Day Police officers march during Jamhuri Day celebrations at Wajir stadium. PHOTO | BRUHAN MAKONG | NATION MEDIA GROUP It will be his first national day function following his swearing-in on November 28 for his second and final term after the Supreme Court upheld his re-election in the October 26 fresh presidential poll.

Mutahi Kahiga Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga and Assembly Speaker John Kaguchia at Dedan Kimathi Stadium for Jamhuri Day celebrations. PHOTO | NICHOLAS KOMU | NATION MEDIA GROUP

On Sunday, Nasa leaders “postponed” their “swearing-in” of their leader and presidential candidate Raila Odinga and his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka as ‘The People’s President’ and his deputy, respectively, under pressure from foreign diplomats and religious leaders.

Magu Mutindika Kilifi County Commissioner Magu Mutindika acknowledges a parade by security teams at Karisa Maitha gardens in Kilifi town. PHOTO | KAZUNGU SAMUEL | NATION MEDIA GROUP

President Kenyatta’s speech is expected to focus on the just-concluded prolonged electioneering period, free day secondary education, unity of purpose for all Kenyans, security and infrastructural development.

Jamhuri Part of the crowd at Kasarani during Jamhuri celebrations. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

It was a slow start for the celebrations at the Kenyan coast.

Jamhuri Taita Taveta Governor Granton Samboja (right) and County Commissioner Kula Hache lead Jamhuri fete at Dawson Mwanyumba stadium Wundanyi. PHOTO | BRIAN OCHARO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Mombasa, residents streamed to the historic Tononoka grounds for the fete that will be graced by regional and county chiefs.

Mau Mau Mau Mau war veterans entertain guests during Jamhuri Day celebrations at Kathwana Primary School in Tharaka -Nithi. PHOTO | ALEX NJERU | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Security was tight at the venue located in a region perceived to be an opposition stronghold.

Wycliffe Oparanya Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and County Commissioner Kang'ethe Thuku lead Jamhuri fete at Bukhungu stadium in Kakamega town. PHOTO | SHABAN MAKOKHA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Taita Taveta, the residents are set to mark the fete at the Voi stadium.

Reports by Kennedy Kimanthi, Mohamed Ahmed and Lucy Mkanyika. ------

SUD SOUDAN :

South Sudan president deploys army to disarm civilians in three restive states http://www.africanews.com/2017/12/12/south-sudan-president-deploys-army-to-disarm-civilians-in- three-restive-states/ Abdur Rahman Alfa Shaban - South Sudan

President Salva Kiir is said to have ordered the army chiefs to mobilize available resources to enforce a three-month state of emergency in three states. The states in question are Gok, Western and Eastern Lakes.

A statement released on Monday evening authorized the army to use force if armed civilians refused to be disarmed.

Reuters quoted a legislator as saying intercommunal fighting in the the country’s Great Lakes region has hit 170 from the 45 reported earlier.

Right now, from both sides, we have 170 plus people who lost their lives. Three hundred forty two houses have been burnt and almost 1,800 people displaced.

“Right now, from both sides, we have 170 plus people who lost their lives. Three hundred forty two houses have been burnt and almost 1,800 people displaced,” Dharuai Mabor Teny told Reuters.

The clashes are reported to have often led to the burning of houses and other property. At the heart of the recent deadly clashes is a land dispute. Security forces, however, say security has improved after a recent deployment.

Assassinated S. Sudanese lawmaker buried in Uganda

December 11, 2017 (KAMPALA) – The South Sudanese lawmaker killed by unknown gunmen last week has been buried in Uganda. http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article64235 Jacob Kuwinsuk Gale, a lawmaker representing South Sudan’s Yei River State, who was killed during a visit to hold talks with the South Sudanese refugees and locals who fled South Sudan due to the country’s civil war. No rebel group or individual has so far claimed responsibility for the lawmaker’s killing. The North Western police spokesperson, Josephine Angucia was quoted saying the slain lawmaker’s relatives in Uganda agreed to bury the Kuwinsuk in Yumbe district due insecurity in his country. "He has been buried temporarily in Dongoture village in Kerwa Sub-county in Yumbe District," the police officer told Daily Monitor. "The district security team has been meeting to discuss ways of intercepting those carrying illegal guns especially at the Uganda-South Sudan borders," she added. The police say investigations are underway, but no arrests made. Kuwinsuk served as the chairperson for members’ affairs, gender and human rights committee in the assembly. Last week, two South Sudanese were beheaded in the northern Ugandan district of Moyo.(ST) ------

SOUDAN :

Sudan’s al-Bashir to attend Islamic meeting in Turkey over Jerusalem https://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article64230 Participants pose for photographers during a photo session at the extraordinary Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit on Palestinian issues in Jakarta, Indonesia, Monday, March 7, 2016. (Photo AP/Dita Alangkara)

December 11, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir will head to Istanbul Tuesday to take part in an urgent meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) over Jerusalem.

The purpose of the extraordinary head of states and government meeting is to coordinate a response to the recognition by U.S. President Donald Trump of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

On Wednesday 6 December, immediately after Trump made public his decision on Jerusalem, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan who is also the head of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation called for an extraordinary meeting on 13 December to take a unified reaction to this development.

Bashir travel to Turkey was announced on Monday evening by official Sudan News Agency (SUNA).

The Sudanese presidency last Wednesday said that President al-Bashir had received a telephone call from President Erdogan who invited him to the extraordinary Islamic summit over the holy city.

Speaking in Istanbul on Sunday 10 December President Erdogan said he explained to the OIC leaders that the U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital violates the international law, diplomacy and humanity.

"With the roadmap, we will create during the OIC meeting, we will show that (Trump’s) decision will not be easy to implement," he said.

Founded in 1969, the OIC comprises 57 member states representing over 1.6 billion Muslim. Its purpose is to "safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony". (ST) ------

ÉTHIOPIE :

Ethiopia targets activists with Israeli spyware: Report by Jillian Kestler-D'Amours http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/12/ethiopia-targets-activists-israeli-spyware-report- 171207194604670.html

The government of Ethiopia has "apparently" employed spyware purchased from an Israeli defence contractor to spy on independent journalists and dissidents living outside of the country, a recent report has revealed.

Israel's CyberBit Solutions Ltd sold spyware to Ethiopia, which used the technology "to target activists and journalists, even PhD students and lawyers", explained Bill Marczak, a researcher at the University of Toronto's Citizen Lab, which wrote the report.

CyberBit, a cybersecurity company headquartered in Tel Aviv, is a subsidiary of Elbit Systems, an Israeli defence contractor with ties to the Israeli military.

Marczak told Al Jazeera at least 43 people in 20 different countries - including the US, UK, Canada, Germany, and Eritrea - were infected over the course of about a year with the CyberBit spyware, known as the PC Surveillance System (PSS).

The attacks were "apparently carried out by Ethiopia from 2016 until the present", the report found.

"The pattern that we've seen is over the years the Ethiopian government [is] buying and acquiring this commercial spyware from pretty much all the companies it can ... and employing that to essentially spy on the [Ethiopian] diaspora," said Marczak, who coauthored the Citizen Lab report. The spyware

To infect the targeted computers, the operator of the spyware first sent an email asking activists and journalists to view a video on a website designed to impersonate popular Ethiopian and Eritrean video-sharing websites, Marczak explained.

Once someone clicked on the link, however, a message popped up saying their computer's Flash Player was out of date.

A second link then would invite the user to download an updated version of the application, but used a fictitious application called "Adobe PdfWriter". That's when the spyware would be downloaded onto the victim's computer. Activists say the spyware is part of a wider state crackdown on Oromo protests in Ethiopia [Tiksa Negeri/Reuters]

The operator could then see every keystroke; take and save passwords; take over email accounts to target friends; view screens; turn on the computer's microphone and webcam; and install or remove programmes, Marczak said.

Essentially, he noted, the operator would have "the same sort of level of control that you'd have as someone physically using the computer". 'Not surprised' Jawar Mohammed, an Ethiopian journalist based in the US state of Minnesota, told Al Jazeera he received an email that appeared strange.

He didn't click on the link, but instead forwarded the email on to the IT department at his media group, which also said it was "suspicious". Mohammed then contacted the Citizen Lab and they collaborated on the report into the spyware.

"I was not surprised that they would go after us, but I was surprised that the companies that produce this spyware ... are willing to sell it to dictators that will use it against activists," he said. READ MORE Ethiopia: Oromo protests continue amid harsh crackdown

Mohammed is the executive director of the Oromia Media Network, a non-profit that reports on issues that matter to the Oromo people, a minority group that lives primarily in Ethiopia's Oromia region.

The Oromo, who number approximately 35 million and constitute Ethiopia's largest ethnic group, have staged widespread protests since late 2015.

While the protests originally stemmed from their opposition to a development project that would have expanded the boundaries of the capital, Addis Ababa, it grew into a demand for equal rights and an end to systemic discrimination.

Hundreds of thousands of Oromo protested throughout Oromia and "state security forces in Ethiopia have used excessive and lethal force against largely peaceful protests", according to Amnesty International.

At least 800 people were killed in the government crackdown, Human Rights Watch has estimated, while thousands more have been injured, arbitrarily arrested, and detained without charge or trial.

If the attempt to spy on his communications had been successful, Mohammed said his reporters and sources in Ethiopia could have become targets of government persecution.

The attack, he said, "is a continuation of the government's effort to silence and shut down the Oromo voice, the Oromo people's fight for justice and equality".

"These companies [that produce and sell the spyware] need to ensure that governments that have a bad reputation for spying on individuals, do not get ahold of this kind of software," Mohammed continued.

"They are endangering a large number of people who have committed no crime except speaking up against human rights violations. All these companies need to be held accountable." Israeli connection

Cyberbit "makes counter-surveillance and internet monitoring technology", according to Privacy International, a UK-based group that defends the right to privacy.

A spokesperson for the company said its products are regulated by the Israeli Ministry of Defense in accordance with the Israeli Defense Export Control Law and international treaties. "State entities that purchase these products are obligated to use them in accordance with the applicable law. Cyberbit Solutions does not operate the products," Hila Gabay told Al Jazeera in an email.

"Cyberbit Solutions is subject to confidentiality obligations towards its customers and is not permitted to discuss any specific transaction or customer." READ MORE Israel maintains robust arms trade with rogue regimes

On its website, Cyberbit lists Israeli bank Leumi, Samsung SDS (a Samsung subsidiary), Hewlett Packard Enterprise (which split off from Hewlett Packard in 2015), German science-and-technology firm IABG, and Regent University in the US state of Virginia among its "strategic partners and customers".

Israel is home to the headquarters of 27 surveillance companies, making it among the top five countries worldwide alongside the United States, United Kingdom, France and Germany, according to a 2016 Privacy International report.

But Israel has the highest concentration of surveillance companies per capita, with 0.33 companies per 100,000 people, compared with 0.04 in the US and 0.16 in the UK, the report found.

Privacy International investigations have revealed that Israeli companies sold telephone and internet-monitoring technology to secret police in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, and to security forces in Colombia, Uganda and Trinidad and Tobago.

"It is unclear how high a priority is placed on the consideration of human rights within decision- making in Israel's government when it comes to licensing exports of strategic goods. A recent amendment to export licensing rules that would have put the consideration of human rights records into law was rejected by the foreign ministry," the group noted. Lack of oversight

In a letter to the Citizen Lab, Adobe - whose PDF editing software was imitated in the spyware emails - said it has "taken steps to swiftly address this issue, including but not limited to contacting Cyberbit and other relevant service providers".

The company called the issues raised by the research "troubling" and said it works "to try to protect our users from the misuse and misrepresentation of our brands - especially where used to deceive others in downloading malicious software".

However, according to Marczak, the problem with the commercial spyware industry is it is "not very well regulated" in terms of export controls, or ways to hold companies accountable for a range of actions, "whether it's targeting people in an abusive way or ... designing products to impersonate brands".

Spyware is becoming increasingly widespread, he added, and companies are showcasing their products at arms fairs and surveillance industry conventions around the world, among other places.

Marczak said he hoped bringing attention to how these surveillance technologies are being used will apply pressure on companies.

"Certainly bringing this issue to the public attention over and over will hopefully push regulatory agencies to take a closer look here [and] push lawmakers to take a closer look here," he said. Al Jazeera's request for comment from Ethiopia's Government Communication Affairs Office was not immediately answered on Monday. Cyber security in an interconnected future

Counting the Cost - Cyber security in an interconnected future SOURCE: Al Jazeera News ------

EGYPTE :

Putin visits Egypt in sign of closer ties https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/russias-putin-lands-in-egypt-in-sign-of-growing- ties/2017/12/11/9ebcb700-de61-11e7-b2e9-8c636f076c76_story.html?utm_term=.9019f8e787ce

Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sissi, shake hands during their meeting in Cairo, Egypt, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017. (Alexander Zemlianichenko/ pool photo via AP/Associated Press) By Hamza Hendawi and Vladimir Isachenkov | AP December 11 at 10:13 AM

CAIRO — Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Egypt on Monday, where he signed a deal to advance plans for a nuclear reactor but disappointed his hosts by delaying the resumption of direct flights that were suspended after the 2015 bombing of a Russian passenger plane.

During Putin’s second visit to Egypt in as many years, he and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el- Sissi appeared keen to cement their countries’ ties, which have deepened in recent years as Moscow has expanded its reach across the region.

“Russia always paid a special attention to expanding friendly and mutually beneficial ties with Egypt, our longtime reliable partner in the Middle East and North Africa,” Putin said.

El-Sissi said the two countries had “a relationship with a long history,” characterized by “strength and durability.”

El-Sissi, who has visited Russia twice since taking office in 2014, has signed deals to buy billions of dollars’ worth of Russian weapons, including fighter jets and assault helicopters. Last month, Russia approved a draft agreement with Egypt to allow Russian warplanes to use Egyptian military bases.

The United States remains Egypt’s main international backer, providing an estimated $1.3 billion in military and economic aid each year. But ties suffered a blow in 2013, when the Obama administration criticized the military overthrow of Egypt’s first freely elected leader amid mass protests against his rule. Relations have improved under President Donald Trump, who has also sought better relations with Moscow.

Neither Putin nor el-Sissi referred to the use of the air bases when they read prepared statements after their talks, a possible indicator of the sensitivity of the issue in Egypt, which has long rejected the basing of foreign forces on its territory.

With Putin and el-Sissi looking on, officials from both countries signed the deal on the nuclear reactor. Egypt has reached an agreement in principle to borrow $25 billion, or roughly 80 percent of the reactor’s cost, from Russia. The signing of the agreement ends months of wrangling between the two sides over technical and financial details.

Putin flew to Cairo after a brief and previously unannounced visit to a Russian military air base in Syria. The air base has served as the main foothold for the air campaign Russia has waged since September 2015 in support of Syrian President Bashar Assad. Egypt’s increasingly close ties with Russia harken back to the 1950s and 1960s, when Cairo became a close Russian ally at the height of the Cold War.

Egypt changed sides in the 1970s under the late President Anwar Sadat, who replaced Moscow with Washington as his country’s chief economic and military backer following the signing of a U.S.- sponsored peace treaty with Israel in 1979. Egypt has since become a major recipient of U.S. aid.

Under el-Sissi, Egypt has been able to maintain close ties with both Russia and the United States.

But the question of resuming flights between Egypt and Russia remains unsolved after Putin’s visit, a significant setback for Egypt.

The flights were suspended when the Islamic State group downed a Russian airliner over Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula two years ago, killing all 224 people on board. Egypt has since spent millions of dollars to upgrade security at its airports and undergone numerous checks by Russian experts.

The suspension of Russian flights has dealt a devastating blow to Egypt’s vital tourism industry. Britain, another major source of visitors, suspended flights to Sharm el-Sheikh, the Red Sea resort in Sinai from which the doomed Russian airliner took off.

On Monday, Putin praised Egypt’s efforts to beef up security at its airports, saying the two countries have come close to a deal to resume flights, but did not give a timeline.

“Security agencies reported to me that we are generally ready to restore a direct air link between Moscow and Cairo,” Putin said, adding that an agreement could be signed “in the nearest time.”

Today's WorldView

What's most important from where the world meets Washington

Russian Transport Minister Maxi Sokolov was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying flights between Moscow and Cairo could be restored by early February. There was no immediate mention of restoring an air link to Sharm el-Sheikh.

Underlining the importance of the flights, a pro-government Cairo daily on Monday ran banner headlines in both Russian and Arabic, saying: “Your Excellency: When will Russian tourism return to Egypt?”

Isachenkov reported from Moscow. Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Decades After Discovery, 3,500-Year-Old Mummy Found in Egyptian Tomb George Dvorsky Yesterday 12:30pmFiled to: Archaeology 12/01/2017 https://gizmodo.com/decades-after-discovery-3-500-year-old-mummy-found-in-1821180583 The mummy discovered in the Luxor tomb Kampp 150. (Image: AP)

Egyptian archaeologists working in Luxor have explored two tombs dating back to the 18th Dynasty, uncovering colorful figurines, funeral masks, a stunning mural—and a linen-wrapped mummy. https://gizmodo.com/decades-after-discovery-3-500-year-old-mummy-found-in- 1821180583

As National Geographic reports, these two tombs, found in the necropolis of Dra’ Abu el-Naga in Luxor, Egypt, were originally discovered in the 1990s by the German archaeologist Friederike Kampp-Seyfried. On Saturday, the Egyptian ministry of antiquities announced the re-discovery and excavation of these two tombs, designated Kampp 150 and Kampp 161, after languishing for nearly three decades. Kampp-Seyfried managed to excavate the entranceway to Kampp 150, but that’s as far as she got, and the tombs were quickly forgotten. Funeral furniture found inside Kampp 161. (Image: AP)

It’s not entirely clear who the tombs were for, as there are no obvious inscriptions. What is clear, however, is that they date back to the 18th Dynasty (1550-1292 BC), and they were likely made for government officials who served at the ancient capital of Thebes.

Kampp 150 is a mud-brick and masonry structure that’s larger than the other tomb. It contains five entrances that open onto a courtyard with a pair of shaft burials. This tomb is a full century older than Kampp 161, dating back to the reign of Thutmose I. The Egyptian archaeologists leading the excavation weren’t able to uncover any inscriptions or dedications, but they did find funerary seals bearing the names of a writer, named Maati, and his wife, Mohi. Excitingly, they also discovered funerary masks, colorful wooden statues, and a linen-wrapped mummy in the tomb. The colorful mural discovered along the west wall in the Kampp 161 tomb. (Image: AP)

Kampp 161 is a single shaft burial, but with no remains. It does, however, contain a treasure in the form of an elaborate mural depicting some kind of social event, possibly a banquet, with a figure presenting offerings to the tomb’s occupant and his wife. Wooden funerary masks, furniture, and a decorated coffin were also found within this tomb. Analysis of the tomb’s style and architecture suggests it dates back to the reigns of Amenhotep II or Thutmose IV, placing it at about 3,400 years old. Egyptian excavation workers restore pottery near Kampp 161. (Image: AP)

Egyptian archaeologists are now in the midst of an incredible run of discoveries. Back in April, they uncovered the tomb of an 18th Dynasty magistrate named Userhat within the same necropolis, along with a thousand figurines, eight mummies, and 10 wooden sarcophagi. Importantly, these excavations have been made without the help of foreign archaeologists, suggesting a newfound confidence and professionalism within archaeology in Egypt.

[National Geographic, History Blog] ------

SOUTH AFRICA :

Jacob Zuma and the Theft of South Africa

By IVOR CHIPKINDEC. 12, 2017 https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/12/opinion/jacob-zuma-gupta-corruption.html

Protesters outside the Gupta family compound in Johannesburg in April. Credit Joao Silva/The New York Times

JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s ruling African National Congress will meet on Dec. 16 to elect a new party president. It will do so in the throes of a debilitating crisis. A decade of President Jacob Zuma’s leadership has seen Africa’s oldest liberation movement become a caricature of corruption and factionalism.

The A.N.C.’s electoral support is in steep decline. In the 2016 municipal elections it lost control of the capital city Pretoria, as well as South Africa’s economic powerhouse, Johannesburg. Its historical alliance with the South African Communist Party is all but dead. The Congress of South African Trade Unions, its other partner, is in deep crisis. It is unlikely that the A.N.C. will win the 2019 national and provincial elections outright.

At the center of the party’s troubles is a business family, the Guptas. Led by three brothers — Ajay Gupta, Atul Gupta and Rajesh Gupta — the family moved to South Africa in 1993 from Saharanpur, a small, impoverished town in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

When the Guptas arrived in South Africa, they astutely acquired citizenship as naturalized “blacks” to benefit from the country’s black economic empowerment laws. The Guptas, who started their South African life with a computer business, befriended and employed President Zuma’s son, Duduzane Zuma, and eventually appointed him a director of one of their companies.

In this way they positioned their various enterprises as black businesses, waging a relentless battle against “white monopoly capital.” They even started a newspaper and a television channel to advance the cause. It earned them generous support from President Zuma, who has been ruling South Africa since 2009. The Guptas rose to be among the wealthiest people in South Africa. Continue reading the main story

Under the Zuma administration, the Guptas have become part of a shadow state, where political power is often exercised from their private residence in Johannesburg rather than through constitutional bodies, the South African cabinet or the A.N.C. itself. As their influence has grown, they have treated the country as their private estate. They used the country’s main military airport to land guests for a family wedding. The wedding itself was largely paid for by the Free State provincial government.

The auditing firm KPMG has recently come under fire for failing to flag this transaction. Other international corporations are similarly complicit in Gupta-engineered corruption. McKinsey paid a Gupta-linked company, Trillian, millions of dollars to secure lucrative contracts with Eskom, the state power utility. The Guptas helped broker a locomotive deal with a Chinese manufacturer, earning 5.6 billion rand (about $410 million) in kickbacks from the 30 billion rand (about $2.19 billion) deal. Meanwhile, President Zuma has purged key state institutions of honest and professional people to appoint acolytes. At the South African Revenue Service, the country’s tax authority, investigations into politically connected individuals evading taxes have been shut down. Newsletter Sign Up Continue reading the main story Sign Up for the Opinion Today Newsletter

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Jacques Pauw, a celebrated anti-apartheid journalist, recently exposed how President Zuma himself is a delinquent taxpayer. In the specialized police force, the Hawks, criminal investigations are delayed or simply do not happen. The prosecutions authority has also been captured. Even if cases are investigated, they do not find their way to court.

President Zuma had more than 700 charges of fraud and corruption pending against him, but a top prosecutor withdrew the charges in 2009. Earlier this year, the High Court in Pretoria ruled that the decision not to charge him was irrational. In October, the Supreme Court of South Africa upheld the High Court decision.

All this takes place in the context of weak economic growth and rising poverty and inequality in the country. South Africa has still not recovered from the global economic crisis that began in 2008. Economic growth has been broadly in decline for the past five years. Gross domestic product is sluggish at under 1 percent — well below the population growth rate of 1.6 percent.

Unemployment is nearing a shocking 28 percent. If discouraged work seekers are included, 36.6 percent of South Africans are unemployed. The youth unemployment rate hit 55.9 percent in the second quarter of 2017. Since 2013, more than half of eligible young workers have not been able to find jobs.

These cruel figures map onto historical patterns of race and gender inequality. Six in 10 South Africans live on less than $3,090 per year, but 2.2 percent of the population has an annual income exceeding $26,000. Poverty remains largely a black experience. Eighty percent of the population is categorized as poor, but 90 percent of black South Africans fall into this category.

For the A.N.C., which has for decades presented itself as a unifying force for democratic change and development, the country’s economic stagnation is an existential threat. The reasons for the country’s economic decline are varied and complex. But policy complexity doesn’t play well in politics.

Through the work of a London-based public relations firm, Bell Pottinger, in close collaboration with the Gupta family, the analysis that stuck, especially in A.N.C. circles, was that “white monopoly capital” was the problem. That is, growing racial inequality was the result of the stranglehold that whites exercised over the economy. The argument resonated because it is true that patterns of ownership and control in the economy are racially skewed. But it was also a sharp departure from the A.N.C.’s historical commitment to non-racialism. President Zuma has served his two terms as the president of the A.N.C., and his tenure as the president of South Africa ends in 2019. The next president of the A.N.C. will be the president of the country if the party wins the national elections. The front-runners in the race for the A.N.C. president are Cyril Ramaphosa, the former unionist turned businessman and Nkosazana Dlamini- Zuma, the former head of the African Union and President Zuma’s ex-wife.

Apart from personalities, the choice ultimately comes down to whether voting delegates believe that the country’s direction under President Zuma represents the best future for South Africa.

If they do not, there is at least a chance of a democratic opening in the A.N.C. Maybe then South Africans can begin to look for solutions to their daunting problems that are not based on crude nationalism and racial essentialism.

Ivor Chipkin is the executive director of the Public Affairs Research Institute at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.

Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook and Twitter (@NYTopinion), and sign up for the Opinion Today newsletter. ------

ANGOLA :

Joint military medical exercise of Angola, Serbia and US starts in N. Angola December 12, 2017 Africa http://www.herald.co.zw/joint-military-medical-exercise-of-angola-serbia-and-us-starts-in-n-angola/ BENGO. — The first joint military medical exercise of the armed forces of Angola, Serbia and the United States began Saturday in the town of Vale do Paraiso, Angola’s northern Bengo province.The exercise is being assessed by experts from Hungary, South Africa, Cote d’Ivoire, Malawi, Botswana and Portugal, invited as observers. Speaking to the press, the director of the military medical practice, the Angolan Belchior da Silva explained that this is the operational phase of the exercise, following the training phase which started on December 4.

On his side, the head of the Serbian mission, Miroslav Brocic said the exercise is a great opportunity to gain experience and practice together with his American colleagues, especially concerning tropical infectious diseases. Also on statement to the press, the head of the US National Guard of Ohio’s mission, Mark Bartman, reiterated the willingness to share information and knowledge for the success of the exercise.

The exercise aims at improving the diagnosis of infectious, endemic and epidermal diseases such as malaria, dengue, chicungunha, zika, leptospirosis and cholera. National partners, such as the Ministry of Health, the National Civil Protection Service, the National Police, the Migration and Foreign Service are also participating in the activity. – Xinhua ------

MAROC :

OMC: le Maroc plaide pour un système commercial multilatéral ouvert et équitable Par MAP - 12 décembre 2017 Rkia Derham. Crédit: MAP https://www.h24info.ma/economie/maroc-economie/omc-maroc-plaide-systeme-commercial- multilateral-ouvert-equitable/

Le Maroc demeure convaincu de la nécessité de continuer à soutenir un système commercial multilatéral ouvert, fondé sur des règles justes et équitable, a affirmé, lundi à Buenos Aires, la secrétaire d'État chargée du Commerce extérieur, Rkia Derham.

Dans une allocution au nom du Maroc lors de la 11e Conférence ministérielle de l'Organisation mondiale du commerce (OMC), Derham a plaidé pour un système commercial "qui s’adapte aux mutations et aux exigences de l’environnement économique international, permettant de relever les défis de la croissance et du développement économique et donnant la possibilité aux pays en développement et aux pays les moins développés (PMA) de faire entendre leur voix".

"C’est dans cet esprit, et dans un contexte d’incertitude et de montée du protectionnisme, que le Maroc exprime aujourd’hui, plus que jamais, son attachement au rôle de l’OMC en tant que pierre angulaire d’un système commercial multilatéral qui nous permet à tous de participer à l’élaboration des règles du commerce et de les faire respecter", a-t-elle dit.

A cet égard, Derham a souligné la nécessité de se pencher sur les voies et moyens à même de renforcer le rôle de l’organisation ainsi que sa contribution à la stabilité de l’économie internationale et au développement.

Par ailleurs, elle a jugé judicieux d’assurer plus de cohérence entre le système multilatéral et les besoins des pays en développement en matière d’intégration régionale et d’industrialisation, en relevant, au passage, que les négociations multilatérales au sein de l’OMC devraient préserver les espaces politiques pour l'industrialisation de ces pays.

Tout en rappelant l’organisation à Marrakech de la dernière réunion ministérielle informelle de l’OMC, la responsable marocaine a souligné la nécessité et l’urgence de faire progresser les thèmes du "Programme de Doha pour le développement (PDD)" demeurés en suspens, en préservant la "Dimension Développement" au cœur de ce programme.

Dans ce contexte, Derham a fait valoir que la discussion sur le développement ne devrait pas se limiter au seul mandat de la session extraordinaire du Conseil du Commerce et Développement, mais elle devrait prendre en compte le lien entre le commerce et le développement et le droit de réglementer.

Détaillant la position du Maroc concernant les négociations agricoles de l’OMC, la secrétaire d’État a jugé que le document sur les modalités de l'agriculture de 2008 reste "une base solide" pour consolider les progrès déjà accomplis, particulièrement en matière de renforcement des flexibilités offertes au titre du Traitement Spécial et Différencié (TSD).

De plus, a-t-elle ajouté, "le Maroc est favorable à une solution permanente à la question de la détention de stocks publics à des fins de sécurité alimentaire, qui serait applicable pour des programmes existants et futurs". Concernant les subventions aux pêcheries, Derham a relevé que le Maroc continuera à travailler avec les autres membres de l’OMC dans le cadre du programme qui sera convenu pour arriver à un accord équilibré et équitable proscrivant certaines formes de subventions notamment celles octroyées aux acteurs actifs dans la pêche illégale, non régulée et non reportée et celles ayant des effets négatifs sur les stocks surexploités avec les flexibilités et les périodes transitoires nécessaires pour permettre à tous les membres une bonne et réelle application.

S'agissant du commerce électronique, la responsable a indiqué que "le Maroc reconnait le potentiel de ce secteur pour créer des possibilités en faveur d’un commerce inclusif, mais aussi le déficit de l'infrastructure et des compétences dans ce domaine ainsi que l’ampleur de la fracture numérique, ce qui empêche la réalisation collective des gains dans ce domaine pour les Pays en développement et les PMA".

Au volet international, Derham a souligné la nécessité de permettre à la Palestine d’obtenir le statut de Membre Observateur Permanent, en réitérant le plein soutien du Maroc à la demande d’adopter l’Arabe comme langue officielle de l’OMC.

"Nous ne pouvons être qu’optimistes quant au dénouement de cette Conférence, car nous estimons que le système multilatéral est le cadre qui nous permettrait de relever les défis de la croissance et la mise en place d'une économie mondiale juste et équitable", a-t-elle conclu.

Les travaux de la 11e Conférence ministérielle de l'OMC se sont ouverts, dimanche soir à Buenos Aires, avec la participation de près de 4.000 personnes issues de 164 pays.

Le royaume est représenté à cette conférence par une importante délégation composée de représentants de plusieurs départements ministériels et de l’ambassadeur du Maroc en Argentine, Fouad Yazourh. ------

AFRICA UNION :

African Union-European Union summit - Joint statement on the migrant situation in Libya 01/12/2017 | 08:31 European Council 01/12/2017 08:31 Press release 718/17 Foreign affairs & international relations Security & defence Home Affairs http://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/31871/33437-pr-libya20statement20283020nov2010.pdf Press contacts

Preben Aamann European Council President Spokesperson +32 2 281 51 50 +32 476 85 05 43 Alain Taverriti Press officer +32 2 281 36 84 +32 475 63 59 62

African and European leaders, gathered in Abidjan for the 5th AU/EU Summit, discussed the terrible media reports on inhuman treatment of African migrants and refugees by criminal groups. They condemned in the strongest terms any such criminal acts and expressed their firm resolve to work together for an immediate end of these criminal practices and to ensure the wellbeing of the migrants and refugees. They also agreed to widely communicate to the youth about the dangers of such hazardous journeys and against the trafficking networks.

Ethiopia backs A.U. stance on Jerusalem, says no plans to relocate embassy

Abdur Rahman Alfa Shaban 10/12 - 11:51 http://www.africanews.com/2017/12/10/ethiopia-backs- au-stance-on-jerusalem-says-no-plans-to-relocate-embassy/

Ethiopia

The Ethiopian government says its embassy will continue to be in the known Israeli capital, Tel Aviv despite United States president opting to recognise Jerusalem as the capital.

At a press conference late last week, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Meles Alem told reporters that Trump’s move applied to the U.S. alone. ‘We, as part of the African Union, endorse the two-state solution,’ he added.

Last Wednesday, December 6, 2017; Trump officially announced that the U.S. formally recognised the contested city of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and that plans were afoot for their embassy be moved.

The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the solidarity of the African Union with the Palestinian people and its support to their legitimate quest for an independent and sovereign State with East Jerusalem as its capital. World leaders have since slammed the move calling it a setback for peace efforts between Israel and Palestine and a security risk to the larger Middle East region. The European Union, the United Nations and African Union have all expressed worry over Trump’s move.

The move has provoked series of anti-American protests across the Muslim world. Deadly clashes have erupted between Israelis and Palestinians in Gaza. Somalia, Djibouti, Egypt and other African countries have expressed their condemnation.

Ethiopia is a known ally of both the United States and Israel. Their relation with the U.S. borders on anti-terrorism and diplomacy. The same is the situation with Israel in addition to cultural and traditional ties extending decades back. What has the A.U. Chief said about U.S. position on Jerusalem

“The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, notes with deep concern the decision of the United States Government, announced today, to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel.

“He regrets this decision, which will only increase tensions in the region and beyond and further complicate the search for a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the solidarity of the African Union with the Palestinian people and its support to their legitimate quest for an independent and sovereign State with East Jerusalem as its capital.

“In this context, he calls for renewed international efforts to find a just and lasting solution to the conflict, based on the existence of two States, Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security, within the framework of relevant African Union and United Nations pronouncements.” ------

AFRICA - USA :

USA: 92 Somalis being deported from the U.S. fly 5,000 miles to Africa before returning to Florida

Posted: HORSEED STAFF - December 11, 2017 Leave a Comment https://horseedmedia.net/2017/12/11/usa-92-somalis-being-deported-from-the-u-s-fly-5000-miles- to-africa-before-returning-to-florida/

Undocumented immigrants who were being deported to Somalia on Thursday made it to Senegal before they all returned on a flight back to the U.S., according to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The Somali citizens, some of whom had lived in the U.S. for decades, were transported to Louisiana from across the country ahead of their flight to eastern Africa, the New York Times reported.

When the plane landed in Dakar, Senegal, on the west coast of Africa, ICE “was notified that the relief crew was unable to get sufficient crew rest due to issues with their hotel in Dakar,” according to a statement issued by the agency.

The plane remained parked at the airport to allow the relief crew to rest while the detainees remained on board with air conditioning, along with food and water, ICE said.

Still 5,800 miles away from their final destination, officials decided to reschedule the deportation and flew back to the U.S. with all 92 Somalis.

Attorneys in Minnesota representing two of the undocumented immigrants said they were booked into detention centers after the plane landed in Miami on Friday.

Kim Hunter told the Pioneer Press, “Any additional time these men get in the United States is beneficial as it gives the agency more time to decide on motions to reopen [their cases].”

One of her clients, Abdoulmalik Ibrahim, never returned home after he checked in with the ICE, as he had done for the last 15 years.

Ibraham, who is married to a permanent U.S. resident, had an old misdemeanor for criminal property damage, Hunter said.

Abdihakim Mohamed, who has no criminal record, was working as a personal care attendant when he was detained during a check-in with ICE, Hunter said

Ghana sends third-highest number of students from Africa to USA - Report https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/diaspora/Ghana-sends-third-highest-number-of- students-from-Africa-to-USA-Report-601747

There are currently 3,111 Ghanaian students enrolled at more than 630 tertiary institutions across the United States of America. “Ghana is the third-largest sender of students from Africa, after only Nigeria (11,710 students) and Kenya (3,189 students)’’, a statement issued by the Public Affairs Section of the Embassy of the United States in Ghana said.

The statement said the latest Open Doors report on international education has revealed that the United States hosted 1.08 million international students during the 2016/2017 academic year.

The statement said this marks a three per cent increase over the prior year. The number of African students hit a record high, at 37,735, marking a 7 per cent increase over the previous year.

It said undergraduates make up 38 per cent of those at U.S. Universities and Colleges, Graduate students make up 45 per cent, out of which 42 per cent are enrolled in doctoral programmes, adding that, the remainders were in student status, whilst in optional practical training or are enrolled in non-degree programmes.

There are currently 3,111 Ghanaian students enrolled at more than 630 tertiary institutions across the United States of America.

“Ghana is the third-largest sender of students from Africa, after only Nigeria (11,710 students) and Kenya (3,189 students)’’, a statement issued by the Public Affairs Section of the Embassy of the United States in Ghana said.

The statement said the latest Open Doors report on international education has revealed that the United States hosted 1.08 million international students during the 2016/2017 academic year.

The statement said this marks a three per cent increase over the prior year. The number of African students hit a record high, at 37,735, marking a 7 per cent increase over the previous year.

It said undergraduates make up 38 per cent of those at U.S. Universities and Colleges, Graduate students make up 45 per cent, out of which 42 per cent are enrolled in doctoral programmes, adding that, the remainders were in student status, whilst in optional practical training or are enrolled in non-degree programmes. ------

CHINA – AFRICA :

Africa and China have shared future under new world order'

Western Cape / 8 December 2017, 05:20am / ANA Reporter https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/western-cape/africa-and-china-have-shared-future-under- new-world-order-12310665 China's Ambassador to South Africa Lin Songtian. Picture: ANA

Cape Town - The world order has changed and it was time to take hands and chart a common destiny.

This was one of the central themes to emerge from a seminar held in Cape Town on Thursday under the twin headings Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and Xi Jinping: the Governance of China II Book Review.

Speaking at the event, National Assembly House chairperson, Cedric Frolick, lauded the relationship between China and Africa in a changing global environment and the "visionary" leadership approach by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

"Whoever thought those who claimed to be the protectors of democracy and freedom in the world now find themselves on the other side," he said.

"The world order has changed and it is time to take hands and chart a common destiny."

China's Ambassador to South Africa Lin Songtian said South Africa and China are united by a shared philosophy, with his country striving to promote social fairness and justice and to win the battle against poverty.

“We will not leave anyone behind on our path of prosperity,” Songtian said of China's goal of creating a "moderately prosperous society in all respects".

He added that the dream of the Chinese people is connected to the dream of other countries and that China will always promote world peace.

“China has always been a community of a shared future,” said Songtian.

The ambassador called upon other developing countries to join and focus on investment in infrastructure development and human resources development in Africa.

He said the recent 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China had set out a host of new ideas, a blueprint and strategy for Chinese development which included that of a shared world future.

"We must strengthen unity and co-operation to build a better China, South Africa and Africa, and better relations to promote a better world and a shared future of mankind," Lin said.

Dr Iqbal Surve, whose Independent Media co-hosted the seminar, said South Africa had experienced a political miracle while China in recent decades had experienced an economic miracle. "We have the political miracle, now we need the economic miracle and create a wonderful future for people on the African continent," he said.

"We need to take people out of poverty," said Surve, who is also chair of the Brics Business Council. "We have to ask 'why is there so much inequality?'

"People complain about crime, particularly violent crime, which occurs in societies with the greatest inequalities. We can't live in isolation of people who do not have the most basic things, like food to eat.

"We are a country of great potential, a continent with enormous prospects, but we continue to not optimise our potential," he said, adding that the vast majority of peoples continued to live in environments and conditions "we wouldn't wish on our worst enemies".

He said that South Africa and Africa needed to look at the Chinese example of how they lifted 700 million people out of poverty.

"We must understand Chinese development and use this," Surve said. "Not everything is applicable to South Africa or Africa, but we must use those lessons."

He cited the need to meet the basic conditions and needs of people in order to create the foundation for a prosperous society and said corridors of mobility was one key avenue to help open up development.

"China has not just thought of itself, but of the region, and is the biggest investor in Africa despite some people questioning its motives," Surve added. "We are not surrogates to anyone, to China, the US, Germany, or anybody."

He said he believed that in the next two decades deepened Africa-China relationships across numerous levels "can really make a difference".

African News Agency

China’s foreign minister says 2018 to bring new cooperation with Africa By AT editor - 12 December 2017 at 4:05 am http://africatimes.com/2017/12/12/chinas-foreign-minister-says-2018-to-bring-new-cooperation- with-africa/ Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says 2018 will bring more cooperation with African nations, and investments in both African initiatives and the diplomatic relationships that support them.

Wang, speaking in Beijing at this weekend’s opening ceremony of the Symposium on International Developments and China’s Diplomacy in 2017, gave a comprehensive review of the foreign policy achievements and challenges of the past year while looking toward the horizon of the new one.

“The human society has once again come to a crossroads of history. Should one opt for openness or isolation, cooperation or confrontation, win-win or zero-sum game? These are questions we are all thinking hard about,” said Wang, pointedly reflecting on the shift to a protective nationalism in the United States, UK and parts of Europe.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative continues its progress, he said, with cooperation agreements signed in 80 countries and organizations, and 75 overseas economic and trade cooperation zones in 24 countries built within the framework. “Chinese businesses have invested over US$50 billion and created near-200,000 local jobs in the countries along the Belt and Road,” Wang said.

Beijing remains focused on South-South cooperation, as evidenced in the Xiamen Summit attended by Egypt and other emerging market countries, and South Africa’s ongoing role in BRICS participation.

China will host the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation next year. “At the forum, we will discuss plans for future development with our African brothers and sisters,” Wang said. “In particular, in meeting the aspiration of African countries, we will work to further synergize the Belt and Road Initiative with the Agenda 2063, making the Belt and Road cooperation a new, strong driver for China-Africa all-dimensional cooperation.”

To review Wang’s entire speech, see China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs here.

Image: MFA China file

What the Mugabe coup says about China’s plans for Africa

Beijing dismisses claims it was involved in regime change in Zimbabwe, but its footprint on the continent is clearly visible By Bobby Jordan 1 Dec 2017 http://www.scmp.com/week-asia/geopolitics/article/2122492/what- mugabe-coup-says-about-chinas-plans-africa

For a man who relied heavily on Chinese weaponry to stay in power, a Chinese-manufactured Type 89 armoured vehicle rolling into central Harare on November 15 must have been an ugly shock.

It had come to depose him, not serve him, and Robert Gabriel Mugabe knew his game was finally up.

Even bedecked with grinning soldiers and citizenry, the armoured vehicle was as much a symbol of oppression as liberation.

It also triggered debate about the role China would have in Zimbabwe’s future, as well as its wider role on the continent.

Mugabe’s downfall is knitted firmly into the story of Beijing’s increasingly active engagement on the world stage, notably in countries where Western nations have fallen out of favour.

China is bankrolling an impressive array of projects across Africa, everything from car factories to bridges, and expanding its military footprint in step with numerous weapons deals and training exercises. Racist attacks in India give China the edge in Africa

In South Africa, Chinese car manufacturer BAIC is building a US$826 million vehicle assembly plant in the coastal city of Port Elizabeth, with an expected annual output of 55,000 cars. Chinese arms manufacturer Poly Technologies last year signed a partnership agreement with South African state arms manufacturer Denel to bid for a US$428 million naval vessel procurement deal. [President Xi Jinping and South Africa's President Jacob Zuma. Photo: Reuters] President Xi Jinping and South Africa's President Jacob Zuma. Photo: Reuters

In East Africa, China is bankrolling a massive new infrastructure project that will connect South Sudan, Ethiopia and Kenya through roadways, railways and oil pipelines. It has spent about US$9.9 billion on intra-city rail infrastructure in East Africa since 2000, CNN estimates.

In West Africa, China plans to invest US$40 billion in Nigeria, on the back of about US$46 billion already invested, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced this year.

In June, South Africa’s Standard Bank announced “the world’s first dedicated” Africa China Banking Centre in Johannesburg. The bank, which 10 years ago sold a 20 per cent stake to the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, plans to extend credit lines into Kenya, Zambia, Nigeria and Ghana before the end of the year. Is China railroading Kenya into debt?

In August, China officially opened its first overseas military base in Djibouti, in the Horn of Africa, to serve as a base for peacekeeping and anti-piracy missions.

Zimbabwe was also among the recipients of Chinese largesse. China last year agreed to build a new 650-seat parliament in the country. Beijing has strongly rejected conspiracy theories suggesting the coup plotters had obtained superpower blessing before the big day.

“It is beyond obvious that the purpose of certain elements trying to link the Zimbabwe political crisis with China is to undermine China’s image and to drive a wedge between China and Africa,” fumed a statement from the Chinese embassy in South Africa a few days after Mugabe’s downfall.

Reports that it played a role in the coup were “self-contradictory, full of logical fallacies and filled with evil intentions”, the statement read.

But the narrative that meddling foreigners were at it again, pulling puppet strings and carving out yet another compliant regime to suit their neo-colonial agenda, is a strong one, mined with memories of a cold war arm-wrestle between superpowers south of the Sahara.

[Chinese troops in Djibouti stage a live fire drill. Photo: Handout] Chinese troops in Djibouti stage a live fire drill. Photo: Handout

Chris Alden, a professor and sinologist at the London School of Economics, says China’s growing influence in Africa, particularly with states alienated from the West, has prompted debate over whether China is encouraging non-democratic practices and fostering regimes that systematically violate human rights. Alden says “the linkage is not as obvious as it seems” in that China is not necessarily a passive money lender behind the scenes.

“The outcome of that relatively easy access given to Chinese interests in these isolated or embattled regimes often turns out to be a closer intertwining of their interests with China’s, even to the point where China uses diplomatic resources to protect it,” he says. WATCH: Zimbabweans celebrate as Robert Mugabe resigns

A case in point is Sudan, where Beijing “took active measures to pressure Khartoum to change its domestic policies”, Alden says, referring to China being able to pressure Sudan to deploy troops to an UN-African Union peacekeeping force. Another often cited example of Beijing’s influence is the South African government’s decision in September 2014 to deny a visa to exiled Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama, a move widely believed to illustrate Pretoria’s fear of annoying an important paymaster. South African President Jacob Zuma has fast-tracked business ties with Beijing on the back of joining as the fifth member of BRICS, the grouping of emerging market nations with intra-group trade of about 3.6 trillion rand (US$263.31 billion).

News of a proposed Chinese investment in South Africa’s Simon’s Town naval base in partnership with state arms manufacture Denel also illustrated the cosy relationship.

[Emmerson Mnangagwa arrives at the presidential inauguration ceremony in Harare. Photo: AP] Emmerson Mnangagwa arrives at the presidential inauguration ceremony in Harare. Photo: AP

China and Zimbabwe have been equally close, a relationship likely to continue under newly installed president Emmerson Mnangagwa, who received military training in China. As defence minister in Mugabe’s cabinet, Mnangagwa and his generals displayed a healthy appetite for Chinese small arms and equipment, including AK-47 assault rifles, uniforms and trucks.

Derek Matyszak, a Zimbabwe-based consultant for the Institute for Security Studies, says outside pressure may have emboldened forces of change within the country.

“Mnangagwa has always enjoyed good relations with the Chinese authorities and many believed that Mnangagwa was their favoured successor to Mugabe,” he says.

Beijing is believed to have been angered over the succession row in Zimbabwe after Mugabe fired Mnangagwa as vice-president, setting up first lady Grace Mugabe to be his successor, in the lead up to the coup, Matyszak says.

“The Chinese are also believed to have specifically told Mugabe that many investment projects and financial assistance would be withheld until the succession issue was resolved, as the failure by Mugabe to attend to this issue was believed to create a risk of political and economic instability. With this obstacle seemingly removed, the way now seems clear for increased Chinese investment and financial assistance – both of which are desperately needed by Zimbabwe’s failing economy.” The African diplomatic ripple that could stir a tsunami for Taiwan

For Peter Fabricius, consultant to the South African Institute for Security Studies, China’s emergence on the world stage coincides with new areas of common interest between the West and China. He cites Djibouti and Mali, where China and Western powers have managed to work together. “When it comes to fighting terrorism, piracy, etc, they all perceive a common purpose and are able to work together,” he says.

Zimbabwe could serve as a further litmus test for pragmatic detente between the global merchants of power and influence. Related articles “China and the West have always had the same economic interest in Zimbabwe and that is a stable economic environment which will assure investors of a return on their investment,” Fabricius says. ------

AFRICA - INDIA :

WTO: India makes common cause with African nations in opposing negotiations on new issues Amiti Sen - http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/world/wto-india-makes-common-cause- with-african-nations-in-opposing-negotiations-on-new-issues/article9989501.ece

Rules in e-commerce seen as hindrance to development of digital economy Buenos Aires, December 11:

India can draw its strength from the African countries which have decided to strongly oppose negotiations on any new issue, such as e-commerce and transparency in domestic regulation, that developed countries may try to initiate in the on-going World Trade Organisation’s eleventh Ministerial Conference (MC 11) in Buenos Aires.

“We are encouraged to see that the Trade Ministers from African countries have reinforced their stand opposing negotiations on new issues at the MC 11. This completely gels with the position India has been taking,” a government official said.

On Sunday, just before the formal launch of the MC-11, the African Group of more than 40 countries held their Ministerial meeting to build on their unity.

Later, in a briefing with the Civil Society Organisations (CSO) from the continent, the representative from the African Group pointed out that there was unanimity amongst members that rules in e-commerce could divide Africa and make it impossible to develop its digital economy. “Electronic trading is good, but the mistake should not be made between binding rules in the multilateral space and trading electronically and that the two are different,” the representative was quoted in a press release by African CSOs.

Read: Delhi resists attempts to push investment facilitation

India, too, has opposed proposed negotiations on e-commerce on similar grounds. This was an important topic for discussion at a lunch hosted for developing countries on Sunday by Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu that included prominent African countries like Kenya, Benin, Burkina Faso, Egypt and South Africa.

The African Group has also opposed proposals seeking that any measure in the area of domestic regulation must be published to ensure ‘transparency’ and allow entities to comment and their interest taken into account. The proposal also requires that the measure must be based on ‘objective criteria’, and be ‘reasonable’. “These are intrusive and eroding in terms of the capacity of African governments to regulate,” the representative from the African Group said.

This, too, is reflective of India’s position which has rejected a US proposal that members be penalised if there is a delay in their notification of measures to the WTO. (This article was published on December 11, 2017) ------

AFRICA - EUROPA :

African Union - European Union Summit: Investing in Youth for a Sustainable Future http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-17-5007_en.htm Abidjan, 30 November 2017

The 5th African Union - European Union Summit took place on 29-30 November in Abidjan, under the overarching theme of Youth. The Summit brought together leaders from 55 African Union and 28 European Union Member States.

The EU was represented by the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker and the President of the Council of the EU Donald Tusk, joined by the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy & Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini, Vice-President responsible for the EU's Digital Single Market Andrus Ansip and Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica. The African Union was represented by the President of the African Union Alpha Condé and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat.

On the occasion, President Juncker said: "We spoke a lot about young people during this summit. Already today, the majority of African citizens are under 25 years old, and by the middle of this century, one in four people on earth will be African. But this demographic dividend cannot deliver without smart investments. This is precisely why we are going to put our investments in education, in infrastructure, in peace and security, as well as in good governance – all of which will in turn inspire good business environments and create much needed jobs and growth." Read the President's full remarks here.

In their political declaration, the European and African leaders set out their joint commitment to invest in youth for a sustainable future. Concretely, they committed to focussing their work on four strategic priorities. On this basis, the European and African Union Commission will put forward concrete projects and programmes within three months.

Mobilising investments for African structural and sustainable transformation

European leaders presented, and African partners welcomed the EU's innovative External Investment Plan (EIP), which will mobilise €44 billion of private investments for sustainable development and job creation. Special attention will be paid to enhancing entrepreneurship of women and young people. The newly launched Sustainable Business for Africa Platform (SB4A) will allow for structured dialogue with the European and African private sector.

Investing in people through education, science, technology and skills development

The importance of supporting inclusive education and vocational training was highlighted. Leaders also agreed to enhance the mobility of students, staff and academics across the African continent, as well as exchange programmes between Africa and Europe, such as ERASMUS+.

Strengthening Resilience, Peace, security and governance Leaders will step up their work to enhance peace and security on both continents. In this regard, they will strengthen strategic, political and operational cooperation between the African Union and European Union, in close partnership with the United Nations. Support to ongoing work to fight against terrorism was reiterated, including the Multinational Joint Task Force against Boko Haram, the Joint Force of the G5 Sahel and the African Union Mission in Somalia, to all of which the EU is the biggest contributor.

Managing mobility and migration

European and African leaders reaffirmed their strong political commitment to address the root causes of irregular migration in a spirit of genuine partnership and shared responsibility, and in full respect of international laws and human rights, as well as creating legal pathways for migration. Leaders committed to deepen cooperation on migration and mobility in a joint framework, including a continental dialogue between Africa and Europe.

They stressed the imperative need to improve the conditions of migrants and refugees in Libya, and to undertake all necessary action to provide them with the appropriate assistance and to facilitate their voluntary repatriation to their countries of origin, as well as durable solutions for refugees. In order to jointly address the dramatic situation of migrants and refugees victims of criminal networks, in particular inside Libya, President Jean-Claude Juncker, and High Representative/Vice President Federica Mogherini, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat agreed to set up a joint EU- AU-UN Task Force to save and protect lives of migrants and refugees along the routes and in particular inside Libya. Furthermore, efforts will be intensified to enhance intra-African mobility and the free movement of persons within Africa.

Preparatory events in the run-up to the AU-EU Summit

The AU-EU Summit was preceded by a number of important events, including civil society, local authorities, economic and social actors, as well as European and Pan-African Parliament.

Young leaders from Africa and Europe gathered at the Youth Summit on 9-11 October in Abidjan, and their work intensified in the context of the AU-EU Youth Plugin-Initiative. They developed a Youth Declaration with concrete proposals to leaders, which have provided a valuable impetus in preparing and shaping the outcomes of the AU-EU Summit. Youth representatives furthermore had the chance to address African and European leaders during the Summit to present these proposals.

The 6th EU-Africa business forum took place on 27 November, where business leaders, investors, innovative start-ups, and young and female entrepreneurs from both continents developed recommendations on how to improve the business and investment climate.

On the day before the Summit, Ministers of Foreign Affairs from Europe and Africa gathered in Abidjan for a Ministerial meeting, co-chaired by the High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini.

For More Information

Political Declaration

Joint Statement on the Migration Situation in Libya Joint press release of the United Nations, the African Union and the European Union on the Joint Task Force

Intervention du Président Jean-Claude Juncker à la séance d'ouverture du 5ème sommet Union africaine-Union européenne

Opening remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Mogherini at the African Union-European Union Ministerial Meeting ahead of the 5th African Union-European Union Summit

Closing remarks by High-Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini at the 6th European Union-Africa Business Forum

Speech by Vice-President Ansip on the conference on digital transformation in Africa

Opening statement by Vice-President Ansip at the high-level panel on the digital economy, EU- Africa Business Forum

Key results of 30 years of research cooperation with Africa and interactive Africa StoryMap

IP/17/5007